FEATURED ARTICLES: POPULATION HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Technology is becoming an integral part of every interaction people have, and they are coming to expect it. Just like in other aspects of their lives, patients want their healthcare providers to keep up with the changing times, and implement technology in their practices. No longer do patients want the inconvenience of a phone call or a post card reminding them of an upcoming appointment. They are looking for convenient digital options.

Our industry has begun to initiate another important phase in patient healthcare. The HITECH Act outlined the intended plans for the adoption of electronic health records through meaningful use. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) EHR Incentive programs have evolved into three stages of “Meaningful Use” with their own goals, priorities, and their own final rule. The last stage of the CMS Meaningful Use program, Stage 3, is on track to commence January 1, 2018. During this final phase the Quality Management System (QMS) specification, which was optional in Stage 2, will become a requirement.

The U.S. healthcare industry’s claims-payment system is frustrating to providers, payers, and patients alike. Inefficiency and a systemwide tendency for error wastes precious resources, worsens miscommunication and mistrust among all stakeholders, and inhibits the ability to transition to value-based approaches that achieve better outcomes. We need to rethink our industry’s disjointed and siloed approach in order to solve a very integrated problem.

One year ago, Jackson Health System in Miami realized a cultural shift was necessary in order to move forward. By Bill Griffith, Vice President of Business Process/Operational Improvement for Jackson Health System, Miami

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

Data breaches continue to dominate healthcare headlines, leading one to wonder if the unprecedented growth of Big Data is to blame? Health Data Consortium CEO Chris Boone shares his thoughts on this subject and more.

ABOUT POPULATION HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Population health management is a model that looks beyond those who need immediate medical care by helping physicians to assess their entire patient population and divide it into various groups. These groups often consist of three main categories: those who are healthy and need to stay healthy, those that have health risks, and those with chronic conditions. Healthy individuals are often managed by having them keep up with preventative care measures. Those with health risks often need to change or stop certain behaviors to reduce their risks. And, those with chronic conditions need to prevent further complications by working with their health providers and changing their health behaviors.

The goal of population health management is improving the overall health of an entire population. Treating health at a population level typically means focusing on improving environment, social structure, and resource distribution. Family planning programs, for instance, play a major role in population health and are one of the most highly cost-effective interventions in medicine.